Great Asian Railway Journeys (2020)

S1E18 Melaka to Johor Bahru

Michael Portillo embarks on a 2,500-mile journey through Southeast Asia, guided by his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide. His first stop is Melaka, once a bustling trading hub, where he enjoys the flavorful dishes of the Kristang community, descendants of 16th-century Portuguese settlers who blended with local Malays. Next, he travels to Kluang, surrounded by lush farmland, where he participates in the pineapple harvest and uncovers how Malaysia's tin and tropical fruits have shaped a global food market. Finally, in Johor Bahru, Michael explores the palace of Sultan Abu Bakar, a savvy ruler who befriended Queen Victoria and transformed his kingdom with insights gained from Britain. He also learns about the challenges that plagued Malaysia's first railway.